Highest Paid TV Star + Domestic Violence = Who Cares??

I must first state that this post was inspired by an NPR article by Frank Deford, found here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124238044
I heard Mr. Deford read his article while I was driving to work this week. His points resonated with me.

Charlie Sheen was involved in a domestic disturbance on Christmas with his wife, Brooke Mueller. Mueller alleges on a 911 call that Sheen wielded a knife and threatened her life. Sheen is the highest paid actor on television, earning $825,000 per episode of the hit series "Two and a Half Men". Deford believes that Charlie Sheen's recent domestic drama has been overlooked, while Tiger Woods' problems are highlighted in the media.

Deford's article highlights the differences between our society's response to each incident. Tiger Woods wears a scarlet letter. Charlie Sheen? Did anyone expect anything differently? Deford explains the difference in reactions through society's expectations between the behavior of actors and athletes.

I respectfully disagree with Mr. Deford. I was shocked and appalled when I learned of Sheen's behavior. Granted, I was not as shocked as I was by Woods' behavior though. Woods had seemed squeaky clean before his unraveling. This fact added to the shock. Sheen has been known as a bad boy for years.

I do not believe that America is any less appalled by Sheen's actions than by Woods' actions. Tiger Woods' drama was a more salable story in the media and was therefore promoted heavily. I urge Mr. Deford not to assume that what the media covers defines what America is interested in. My interests and morals go beyond what the media covers.